Less anaesthetic is used in a spinal (when compared to an epidural) but the medication is absorbed more readily into the mother's system. Narcotic medications in a spinal (and an epidural) are capable of being absorbed by the baby in the uterus. Depending on the amount and type used and how long the baby is exposed to the medication before the birth, it has the potential to make the baby lethargic and reluctant to feed in the days following the birth.
The side effect of a sudden drop in blood pressure with a spinal can distress the baby by reducing blood flow from the placenta, while the mother's blood pressure is low.
Other rare side effects
The following are a few of the very rare complications that are possible for the woman having a spinal anaesthetic. As with any intervention there are always small, possible risks that you should be aware of. They can include:
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A spinal or blood infection. This could include an abscess in the lower spine or meningitis (infection of the tissue surrounding the brain). These would be treated with antibiotics and in some cases the abscess will need to be drained. |
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Paralysis and nerve damage to the legs or lower body, possibly reduced control of the bladder and bowel. |
Information sources